to ISIL. By 2018, the group faced increasing repression by Hamas which was unwilling to tolerate its extremist activities. In turn, the group considers Hamas an apostate organization, and has called upon Muslims to carry out lone wolf attacks against Israel. Kidnapping of Alan Johnston In 2007 the group kidnapped the BBC correspondent Alan Johnston. On 25 June 2007 a video was released by the group showing Johnston with an explosive belt around his waist, with a demand for the release of Muslim prisoners in British custody. The group, which also kidnapped ten members of Hamas, had claimed that they would have killed him if there had been an attempt to rescue him by force. On 4 July 2007, after Gaza authorities arrested several members of the group including its spokesman, Abu Muthana, and following threats of execution, Johnston was handed over to Hamas officials and released after 114 days in captivity. Alexandria bombing The group has been linked with the 2011 bombing of a Coptic church in Alexandria that resulted in 23 deaths. Egypt's Interior Minister said on 23 January that evidence proved that the group planned and executed the attack. The group quickly denied responsibility, while also reportedly expressing support for the bombing. See also Jund Ansar Allah Jahafil Al-Tawhid Wal-Jihad fi Filastin Army of the Islamic State References Jihadist groups in Egypt Jihadist groups in Palestine Gaza–Israel conflict Organisations of the Egyptian Crisis (2011–2014) Organizations designated as terrorist by the United States Groups affiliated with al-Qaeda